Breaking Down the Banking Headlines: Part One | Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Equity / Stocks

By Matt Abels

03/21/2023

With the banking industry and markets continuing to be leading topics in the news, many investors are asking, “What is going on? Is this something to be worried about? Should I be taking action?” In this special edition of Financial Perspectives, Matt Abels and Michael Westphal provide context and insights to those questions. Tune in next week for part two, where we’ll be joined by Jim Plagge, President and CEO of Bank Iowa.

Financial Health in the Prime of Your Career – It’s Time for a Check Up!

Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving » DAF

By Brittany Heard

03/15/2023

You’ve been working for several years now – you’re earning, saving, paying down debt, investing, and giving. What’s next?

Retirement Planning: Understanding Your Options | Financial Perspectives

Category: Financial Planning

By Geoff Christy

03/13/2023

Retirement planning can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. This week, Matt Moklestad and Geoff Christy from Foster Group's Institutional team have a conversation around the retirement plan landscape: what are common questions and what possible actions could you take regarding your plan.

What Does the World Require of You?

Category: Foster Group

By Jason Brown

03/08/2023

When I was in my early 20’s, I attended a lecture I haven’t forgotten. I don't remember much. But I remember the question it encouraged me to consider: “What does the world require of you?”

Chart of the Month – Mar 2023

Category: Investing » Diversification

By Ryan Lamoureux

03/03/2023

Is there conclusive evidence that one sector is better than another when it comes to returns?

Have You Considered a Cash-Balance Plan?

Category: Financial Planning » Closely Held Business

By Matt Moklestad

02/28/2023

Many business owners are looking for more tax-friendly ways to save for retirement. A cash balance plan could be the answer.

Making Sense of SECURE Act 2.0 | Financial Perspectives (In a Minute)

Category: Financial Planning

By Matt Moklestad

02/27/2023

The SECURE Act 2.0 includes 90+ provisions designed to help savers and people in or near retirement. This week, Matt Moklestad highlights some of the key changes from the act.

Making the Most of a Bear Market

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Apply Markets

By Ryne Oller

02/24/2023

If you’re a young professional, negative market returns can carry less weight than you might think. Let’s use 2022 as an example.

Balance Sheet Liquidity: What Is It? How Do I Approach It?

Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow

By Brent Carlson

02/20/2023

I am extremely fortunate to work with many different types of clients. Some of my favorite clients are the owners of privately owned businesses. There are always opportunities to have conversations that go well beyond managing investments.

Selling a Business Is Just as Tough as Owning One

Category: Financial Planning » Closely Held Business » Business Entities

By Walt Mozdzer

08/26/2022

Owning and operating a business is a tough task. Selling a business is equally difficult. If you’re a business owner, the odds are that you haven’t put together a plan to do this. It doesn’t have to be this way. 

How Much Should I Have in Stocks? | Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Equity / Stocks

By Kent Kramer

08/22/2022

Many people like the idea of higher expected returns that stocks may produce, but the higher return potential comes with more risk. This week, Kent Kramer walks us through a possible approach to understanding how much of your portfolio could be invested in stocks.

How Much Should I Have in Stocks? | Financial Perspectives (In a Minute)

Category: Investing » Equity / Stocks

By Kent Kramer

08/22/2022

Many people like the idea of higher expected returns that stocks may produce, but the higher return potential comes with more risk. This week, Kent Kramer walks us through a possible approach to understanding how much of your portfolio could be invested in stocks.

What If…

Category: Foster Group

By Wade Den Hartog

08/18/2022

What if my spouse is gone tomorrow? What if I live to 110? What If I want to retire as soon as possible? What if I have a Long-Term Care event? Where do you seek guidance, clarity, and understanding on your financial plan to help address these questions?

Having Faith When It’s Scary

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Accept Uncertainty

By Joe Bantz

08/11/2022

Market volatility can sometimes be downright scary. The other day, I read that the quarter ending June 30th was the 16th worst quarter in the history of the stock market. Even worse, the first quarter was bad too, making it one of the very worst six-month periods in nearly a century. How does an investor respond?

Spending That Can Wreck Retirement

Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow

By Marcus Iwig

08/10/2022

In more than a decade of working with clients, I’ve discovered that one thing tends to do more damage to financial plans than any other.

Is Now a Good Time to Invest? | Financial Perspectives (In a Minute)

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Accept Uncertainty

By Kent Kramer

08/08/2022

A popular question investors often ask is whether NOW is a good time to invest. This week, Kent Kramer talks about what is happening in markets now, and in the past, and what investors may want to know.

Is Now a Good Time to Invest? | Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Accept Uncertainty

By Kent Kramer

08/08/2022

A popular question investors often ask is whether NOW is a good time to invest. This week, Kent Kramer talks about what is happening in markets now, and in the past, and what investors may want to know.

Chart of the Month – Aug 2022

Category: Investing » Costs

By Ryan Lamoureux

08/04/2022

The housing market has been hot since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prices have soared and the interest rate to borrow money for those homes has been at historically low levels. But what is happening now?

How Much Life Insurance Protection Is Enough?

Category: Financial Planning

By Kadin White

08/01/2022

Life insurance is an important component of a financial plan. An early death can create severe hardships for the surviving family if the proper amount of insurance is not in place. The recommended amount of life insurance will vary from family to family depending on a variety of factors.

Recession “Reaction”

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Apply Markets

By Ross Polking

07/29/2022

Plenty of arguments exist as to why we will be and/or already are in a recession. However, there is good news out there that isn’t readily reported.

Preparing Your Heirs for the Great Wealth Transfer

Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving

By Ashlee Vieregger

07/28/2022

Over the next 25 years, approximately 45 million U.S. households are primed to pass an estimated $70 trillion in wealth to their heirs.  Here are three simple ideas to get you started on a rewarding family governance journey.